If week 3 had a theme in the NFL, it would be coming back to earth. As I detailed in my preview, four surprise teams entered the week with a perfect 2-0 record including the Saints, Commanders, Buccaneers, and Falcons. Yet, all four teams lost in week 3 to leave their fans to ponder whether the first two weeks were flukes and things are crashing back to earth. On the other hand, the elite teams found their footing and appear ready to take off with wins for the Chiefs, Bills, Chargers, and Bengals. However, let’s delve into the teams that soared or fell flat on their face in a wild Week 3 action.
Booming Stocks
1. Miami Dolphins- if you had not watched this game and you just saw the box score, you would have thought the scoreline 70-20 would have been a typo. Miami obliterated the Broncos by scoring ten touchdowns and balanced in their execution of the game plan. The Dolphins put up 376 passing yards (309 by Tagovailoa) and 350 rushing yards to combine for 726 yards. Of the touchdowns, five were on the ground and five through the passing game. The performance was record-breaking because the team set 13 franchise and individual records in the game. Surprisingly, the Dolphins could have scored more and elected not to kick a field goal, although they were in a position to go for the record late in the fourth quarter. The performance by Miami sent a message to the rest of the league that they are a force this season and a definite contender for the Superbowl.
2. Green Bay Packers- If you love a comeback, then this was probably your favorite game in Week 3. The Packers were trailing 17-0 at home entering the fourth quarter and things looked dire. The team could have quit and made excuses because of the absence of Romeo Doubs, Aaron Jones, Christian Watson, David Bakhtiari, and Jaire Alexander. Yet, Jordan Love rallied his team leading them to three consecutive scoring drives including a field goal, two touchdowns, and a 2-point conversion. It was an impressive comeback by a team many counted out at the start of the season.
3. Detroit Lions– the mark of every great team is the ability to bounce back from disappointment. Last week, The Lions lost a heartbreaker to the Seahawks, and the Lions team from the former years would immediately lose confidence and let things spiral into a losing streak. However, the Lions under Dan Campbell have a strong mentality to respond to adversity. The Lions neutralized a Falcons team that won their first two games and looking for a statement win on the road. Instead, the Lions held the Dirty Birds to 6 points and the dynamic backfield of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to just 45 yards after the team averaged 170 yards on the ground in two weeks.
Plummeting Stocks
1. Denver Broncos- the Miami Dolphins impressed from an offensive standpoint, but the Broncos should be criticized for this pathetic defensive performance. The Broncos could not stop the Dolphins, and it felt like the unit quit on their coaches. The players looked lethargic, failed to make tackles, and execute their defensive scheme. Sean Peyton should automatically be on the hot seat because of this performance, and Vance Josephs should update his resume as he prepares to leave this team. It was that embarrassing.
2. Tennessee Titans- the Bears gave up 34 points in the first half alone against the Chiefs, but the difference is the Bears have no post-season aspirations. However, the Tennesse Titans were 1-1 heading into an interesting matchup with the Browns. The Titans’ offense got strangled by the Browns who allowed only 94 total yards of offense. Derrick Henry was held to just 20 yards on 11 rushes, while Ryan Tannehill completed 13 of 25 passes for 104 yards. The Titans showed they are not a contender in the AFC.
3. Dallas Cowboys- the Cowboys entered week three, after back-to-back dominant performances against the teams from New York. The defense has been the stand-out unit, and against the lowly Cardinals, their dominance appeared likely to continue. Instead, the Cowboys Kryptonite was exposed which is their inability to stop the run. The Cowboys’ defense got bullied with 222 yards on the ground, with James Conner tallying 98 yards. Despite one of the best past rushes in the league, it will mean little if teams copy the Cardinals’ strategy and run the ball at them. I don’t think it’s time to panic, but Jerry Jones must be a little concerned.